Political Activities

Hatch Act

The Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-7326 (PDF) (HTML), limits certain political activities of most executive branch employees. For example, the law prohibits employees from engaging in political activity while on duty or in the Federal workplace. It also prohibits them from soliciting or receiving political contributions.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is the agency responsible for enforcing the Hatch Act. General information about the Hatch Act may be found on the OSC website.

Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch

Certain political activities should also be analyzed under the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. For example, campaign activities trigger the teaching, speaking, and writing restrictions of 5 C.F.R. § 2635.807. An employee may not use his official Government title or position to identify himself in connection with a speaking activity, unless the title or position is one of many biographical details.